The Center for Inclusive Development, CID, in partnership with the Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance, CAI4SR, has organised a three-day capacity-building workshop in Osun State to strengthen the capacity of women with disabilities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, GBV.
The workshop was organised under the “Strengthening the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Against Women with Disabilities in Nigeria” project, with support from the Ford Foundation.
The programme brought together women with disabilities, disability rights advocates, community stakeholders, GBV practitioners and civil society representatives to examine the challenges faced by women with disabilities in accessing protection, support services and justice.
Participants discussed the realities of gender-based violence against women with disabilities and the importance of including their perspectives in policies and interventions relating to protection, inclusion and access to justice.
The sessions covered leadership, advocacy, gender equality and available mechanisms for reporting and responding to cases of gender-based violence.
Participants also shared experiences and identified social and institutional barriers that can limit access to support systems for women with disabilities.
The organisers encouraged participants to strengthen their leadership and advocacy roles and contribute to community efforts aimed at preventing violence and promoting the rights of women with disabilities.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants identified priority issues affecting women with disabilities in their communities and developed advocacy actions focused on raising awareness, improving community response mechanisms and promoting their rights and dignity.
The organisers said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the participation of women with disabilities in efforts to prevent gender-based violence and promote more inclusive communities.